Karate-den [空手伝]

Caveat: this post is my interpretation of readings and studies therefore errors and omissions are mine and mine alone. It is highly recommended one fact check the data for clarity. My effort here is self-clarity toward a fuller understanding of the subject matter.  

The characters/ideograms mean, “Karate Traditions.” The first two characters/ideograms mean, “Karate.” The third character means, “Tradition; transmit; go along; walk along; follow; report; communicate; legend; method; way.” 

In martial arts every dojo, over time, creates traditions that are unique to that dojo. This also can be said about a karate system and/or style. Those traditions are the customs and beliefs practiced by that system, style and/or dojo. The karate traditions are about the customs and beliefs that are passed down from generation to generation. It can also consist of behaviors that are often unique to that system, style and dojo. 

What are your dojo’s karate den? What are your system/styles karate den? In the Isshinryu system the karate den are extensive, as they are in other systems/styles such as Goju, Shorin and Uechi Ryu’s. It is that trait that provides them with a uniqueness and personality distinction that is often about copying, teaching and passing down the culture and beliefs of the system/styles founder, i.e., such as Shimabuku Tatsuo Sensei of the Isshinryu wholehearted system/style of Okinawan karate. 

This also contributes to the separateness that karate systems/styles has assumed over the last century as derived from the original system of Okinawan “Ti (Tee).” Karate den describes the reasons why Ti begat Toudi begat Shuri-Naha-Tomari Ti begat Shorin-Goju-Uechi-Isshinryu Ti that begat all the branches and limbs that are the current state of the Okinawan karate communities.